I came to Tuscawilla Park expecting a nice place to take a walk, and instead discovered I was…read morewandering through a little piece of Ocala history. The park dates back to 1916, when the city purchased the original 10 acres surrounding what was then known as Howse Spring. The Ocala Woman's Club helped transform the area with landscaping, huge oaks and magnolias, and even created Victory Way as a memorial to Marion County residents who served in World War I. Those historic brick entrance pillars are still standing, which I thought was a pretty cool detail to stumble across while simply walking around. Today the park has Lake Tuscawilla, walking paths, fishing, playgrounds, sports areas, public art and an amphitheater, so there is more here than meets the eye. I especially liked discovering how the park connects to the surrounding historic neighborhood, because suddenly you're not just walking around a park, you're walking through a piece of old Ocala. It's peaceful, historic and easy to explore, with just enough going on to keep a curious person wandering.

I always love walking around this park and today was just an enjoyable day walking with my son…read moregetting in a few laps around the lake trying to get my health back on track. Afterwards we went and I took some pictures because I could never resist the beauty in this little park in our little big city of Ocala! Come visit take a walk and remember right across is Midtown Station where yo can easily enjoy some coffee and some delicious food.

The most memorable park in Ocala! I have to admit I did not see it all so I will be going back…read moreshortly to see so much more. I was at peace just walking a bit sipping coffee and taking in the calm and beauty. There is much to see at Shalom Park it's very beautiful place to be. When I was there they were having a yoga class it was so nice to see. I walked around and spoke to some lovely people they mostly were enjoying some morning exercise. I'm sorry that I missed the zen garden but this just gives me an excuse to go back faster. It's obvious that many frequent this park for so many reasons you can easily see. It's lovely, peaceful, clean and you feel pretty safe comparatively. They have activities here from what I've read and the yoga class is proof of this but I think there is much more that I need to explore and check the calendar for to see and know for myself. There are 2 miles of trails, the zen garden, an area called the Labryrinth where you can take a physical, spiritual or meditative walk along its winding path. Stop along it's 24 points of reflection and create your own Labryinth experience. Labryinth's have one way in and one way out come in and form your own perspective enjoying this relaxed atmosphere. The Pergebo was magnificent as I felt so much happiness being there. It is part gazebo and part pergola, I didn't even know such a thing existed until now! It's covered in confederate jasmine and blossoms in the spring with tiny white fragrant flowers. This is located on the path at the end of the olive trees! I enjoyed the pond so much with all the beautiful fish and sounds of the falling water. You can feed the fish and see them all come at once jumping out at you. Gorgeous Koi such beautiful colors. Sit on a bench and relax if you'd like there are many all around the park for you to enjoy. They say the pavilion is often used for educational purposes and horticulture events and that there are often presentations that people can escape the sun or rain showers. The stage is where I had seen the yoga class taking place. They have weddings, live concerts, the parks sunset series and much more on the stage throughout the year. Mounted on the stage, The Peace Panels display quotes of peace by renowned authors, musicians, and political leaders! The olive tree promenade has 18 trees on each side 18 is the symbol of peace; the number 18 is the symbol of life,and many couples use this as their entry way for marriage. The formal gardens is an area where there is lot's of live large oak trees, colorful bushes and lot's of foliage all around in a nice quiet shaded atmosphere. People often gather here for a picnic, wedding or just to enjoy and relax and enjoy the environment. The bat house can hold 800 bats during the night. Bats are a natural way of achieving insect control in the park and each bat can consume 6-8,000 insect every night! There is so much more to see and encounter at Shalom Park I encourage you to visit and explore. The story of Shalom Park from their website: As with most great achievements, Sholom Park began as a vision, born in the hearts of Sidney and Ina Colen. Inspired by a visit to Boston Gardens, Sholom Park was created for a purpose; to provide a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed. The park was named after Sidney Colen's grandfather, Sholom, which is also the Hebrew word for peace. The park does not serve a political or religious agenda or belief system After years of conceptualizing the vision, a master plan for the park was developed in 1999 and the park concepts began to take shape. In 2001, horticulturist, Steve Curl was hired to oversee the final design and construction of Sholom Park as the vision came to life. On October 17, 2004, Sholom Park celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting along with hundreds of friends and supporters. Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM Address: 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481 Phone: 352) 854-3677 Email: info@sholompark.org Wheelchair accessible *** Bike racks available ***

Wow! WoW! Wow! I think this park is profoundly under the radar and simply not well known enough…read more This isn't just some playground with a path. In fact, there is no playground equipment at all. What it does offer, though, is everything one could want in a natural setting. You can walk for a little while or lose yourself in it for much longer. The paths are easy, accessible, and thoughtfully laid out, with enough variation to keep things interesting from start to finish. It never feels repetitive, which is rare. The labyrinth was genuinely enjoyable, with multiple points of interest throughout. Subtle shifts in sound and visual texture keep you engaged, yet everything remains grounded in simple nature, shaped by the hands of men.. nothing artificial or forced, just an intentional design that draws you in. The crowning glory moment for me was the Zen garden. I cannot remember the last time I felt that level of calm and stillness. It has a way of centering you almost immediately. I would have stayed longer, but I needed a restroom, which unfortunately was closed at the time. This is a place I will return to without hesitation. My mother has yet to see it, and I already know she is going to love it.

Veteran's Park at OTOW offers many varied outdoor activities. It's "inside the fence", so you need…read moreto live here to use it. The park has dedicated space and equipment for archery, corn hole, shuffleboard, basketball, pavillion with grills and picnic tables. Also a large dog park and plenty of parking for cars and gold carts. This is a clean park with restrooms and water fountains.

A small oasis in an industrial area of Ocala. It is not a big park by any means, but it offers a…read morepeaceful getaway from the day to day stress and let's you exhale the stress of the daily ground and relax. The trees here are a stunning canopy over the property, allowing the sun to peak through and let's visitors choose to bask in the sun or revel in the shade. There is a small lake, a children's playground, and clean restrooms. I was happy that I stumbled across this little park. Sometimes a wrong turn can prove to be a blessing and this was certainly one of those times.

A good spot to stop and stretch my legs on the way across the Florida peninsula, this park is…read morelocated in the very small town of Orange Springs. Easy to enter though a dirt parking lot that probably wouldn't be ideal for a heavy vehicle. The park is well shaded with several picnic tables and grills. There is also a playground with a climbing frame and a swing set. The playground area has a split rail fence around it and a soft base. It is a very nice park though a little muddy in spots. I had a good rest and also dropped off some of my food trash in the bin. [Review 15770 overall - 1352 in Florida - 1274 of 2021.]

This is my summary review of Golden Ocala as a whole (the individual quadrants aren't available to…read morereview as particular establishments). Please bear with me as I try to guide you through life at Golden Ocala. Home/Villa Rentals: 5 stars! Amazing accommodations for a really reasonable price. Whenever we have larger groups of people visiting this is our first choice. Comparable to a nice hotel, the beautiful villas are lush and abundant in size, with beautiful furniture and full GO access. Spa: 4 stars! I love the massages here and I am a regular during the winter months. The front desk can be a bit slow, but this is mostly due to their faulty technology. The staff member are all super nice. I give 5 stars for the services but 3 stars for the prices, which were recently increased. Worth it for me but definitely on the pricey side. Fitness: 4 stars! Best part is, the fitness center usually isn't too busy. They have some great equipment but could use a few more cardio machines. More space for floor exercises and a few more unique guided classes could up the ante. Tennis Club: 4 stars! 6 Well maintained, gorgeous clay courts. It can be a bit of a hassle to get ahold of the staff (unless you have their cell #) the tennis desk usually isn't receptive to phone calls. Love the women's clinic they offer for members. Lessons are also available and I've had mostly positive experiences with the coaches. Pool: 5 stars! Gorgeous pool- it's so picturesque, located adjacent to the spa and fitness center. Enjoy a drink poolside and take lots of photos. It's definitely instagram worthy! AND you can bring your dog. Pool Food: 3 stars! Decent variety of food, but I've had some pretty sub-par service here. We eat here occasionally for lunch, but the service really could use some improvements. Once, they even refused to add tomatoes to my Caesar salad because "it wasn't on the menu like that" Raspberries: 4.5 stars! Fine dining situated on the upper floor of the gorgeous clubhouse. I love the food and the company here. The staff is outstanding and really take their time to know and love regular patrons like me. The dauphanise potatoes are amazing. Epic Caesar salad, great bread, potent drinks, high end wine list, excellent menu features (flatbread of the week etc) I love dining here! The kitchen staff can sometimes be a bit slow, but this year (so far) I've had nothing but great experiences. Golf: TBD I'm not a golfer! The course is beautiful to walk and the greens seem to be kept in pristine condition. Security: 3.5 stars! The staff mostly consists of retirees working occasional hours. They aren't the most respectful and fail to remember who I am sometimes. Equestrian: TBD can't wait to see The World Equestrian Center South once it's completed. The original equestrian center at GO isn't quite what I would pursue, but the new facility looks grandiose. Overall I love Golden Ocala! A few minor things could be improved. In my 10+ years living here in the winter months and being involved in the dining, social, tennis, and spa scenes, I have had a mostly great experience. A few faux pas and minor altercations with certain staff members have been forgotten and far surpassed by positive interactions. Note: Golden Ocala is a member's only club. They offer social memberships but otherwise you must be member, (or family of one) to enjoy their accommodations. Social memberships are not cheap but can be utilized if you wish to spend lots of time here.

The water is nothing special, but it gets the job done. The ice performance is great, with just…read moreenough to make it chilled. The water is clear, but not a water I reflect on. By the way, get the duck. It's good. But, the water is okay.

This park is located next to the Marion County Public Library. It is a grim reminder but the price…read moreof freedom it's often severe. We must remember these selfless souls who gave their lives so that we may live free. It is a peaceful place, a place to reflect pain to remember. Is a place to give thanks to people who laid down their lives in the belief in the world can be a better place and that this world is worth fighting for. That freedom is worth fighting for. It is not a big pork periods however the meaning behind it is grandiose. The fact that we will remember and be forever grateful for those who chose in a single moments the good of others over there very own life. It is humbling to walk impark similar to this. In the course of our daily grinds it is easy to forgets and be thankful for the very fact that we live free. We live free because so many didn't get a chance to live their full lives. I'm grateful for my visit here. I am grateful to these people, who I never knew nor do I have any family connection to oh, and the sacrifice they gave.

Came here for memorial day after the morning ceremonies. What a lovely location, it's situated near…read moreother government offices but in a quiet area that lends to the serenity. The benches scattered throughout were perfect for my 88 yr old dad (w walker) to take sitting breaks. I learned alot & while there were maybe 20 other people at the same time as us we never felt crowded or bothered. Come sit read walk learn..whatever you like. An absolute gem to check out. Never take for granted our freedom was earned on the backs of these heroes!

Fantastic setting and servers! The pricing is competitive and the food is good. I'll keep going…read moreback.

Amazing golf course. Wide fairways. Fairways and greens are in amazing shape. Everyone is…read morehospitable and courteous. Great experience and we can't wait to go back. A+++++